Bridget Crittendon

Bridget Crittendon was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was sensitive to people and concerned for their needs. It was understandable that she was a bit of a worrier, because she had a large family to keep track of. At the same time, Bridget was calm and reassured by her faith. She was very independent and knew what she wanted. She wasn't afraid to share her thoughts but was polite enough not to make an issue of anything in front of others. If it seemed that Bridget was stubborn and set in her ways, it was primarily because she was firm in what she believed.

Bridget’s story began as the United States was recovering from the First World War and experiencing growth in industry and employment. Women had finally won the right to vote and Harlem, New York was a-buzz with jazz, literature and art. Into this world of vitality and independence, Brigida Helen Calandrino was born to Frank and Maria (Dia) Calandrino on November 24, 1922 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because Brigida didn’t really like her given name, she went by Bridget, meaning strong and resolute. It suited her well coming from a family who was proud of their Sicilian heritage.

On the southeast side of Grand Rapids, Bridget and her five sisters grew up fluent in Italian because their mother only spoke Sicilian. They were deeply committed to the Catholic faith, attending St. Joseph Catholic Church, and later Bridget became a longtime member of Sts Peter and Paul Parish.

Coming of age during the Great Depression, the children followed the example of their parents in frugality. Their father was fortunate to keep his job with the railroad, yet by saving and pinching pennies, Bridget learned values that never left her. In her adult years, she would gladly lend to family members in need, but if they did not honor their word, it would be the last time she extended charity. For though she was generous, Bridget was also very responsible and expected the same from others.

After leaving school, Bridget worked as a waitress and soon met Millard "Pete" Beardsley. From their marriage, five children were born over the eleven years Bridget and Pete were together. A few years after their divorce, Carl Crittendon came into her life, first meeting her while she was waitressing. It must have been a case of opposites attracting each other, because Bridget didn’t see the match when Carl first pursued her. She objected for quite some time but eventually gave in, and from their marriage, Bridget gave birth to three more children.

Joining Carl at General Motors, Bridget worked in the sewing department on Alpine Avenue. The job left her fingers sore but her heart warm. The friends she made at GM were some of the best. Because she was a working mother, Bridget taught the children to help out with chores and in general to take their responsibilities seriously. She also knew that children needed to have fun, so she made sure their summertime activities included a rented cottage at Stoney Lake. She herself didn’t find all that much to do there, but because the kids enjoyed it, that’s all that mattered to Bridget. Taking them horseback riding or to the drive-in theater was part of putting the interests of her children before her own.

Bridget certainly had her own interests, especially when it came to gardening. She enjoyed working outside and was very proud of her flowers. She cherished the fig trees that her mother had brought from Sicily and tended them so that the precious gift could be enjoyed from generation to generation.

Bingo became a favorite pastime, and over the years the bingo halls and schedules may have changed, but Bridget was a constant at her regular places. When she knew her sister, daughters or grandchildren would be joining her, she saved seats for them. She and her daughter made annual trips to Las Vegas, where Bridget was skilled at making $40 last a long time. Even in day-to-day activities, she made a sport of gambling on football, often playing a game of squares with the score.

For home entertainment, Bridget watched TV soap operas, country music countdowns, Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. Her choice of restaurants ranged from buffets of any type to Italian at Salvatore’s. However, on many occasions, Bridget hosted her ever growing family at home and that was a treat for everyone,

Bridget loved to have her family visit and she was especially glad to see her grandchildren. She was fortunate to have them come often, and the kids were never disappointed. On Halloween, they each received a special candy bar, and at other times an Arnies donut awaited them. Bridget kept track of each of their birthdays and always had a gift for them. As the grandchildren and later great-grandchildren got older, she was still giving gifts and they were giving back. It didn’t matter to Bridget what gift they gave, just that they thought of her.

Only in recent weeks did Bridget’s health begin to fail, but her mind was as sharp as ever. She could recall who gave her flowers for her yard and how long ago she received those gifts that always made her smile. Truly, Bridget’s smile, her laughter and her love will long be remembered by the family she held dear.

Bridget Crittendon, age 92 of Grand Rapids, passed away March 30, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl in 1982; by her children Richard "Dicky" Beardsley, Rose Johnson, David Crittendon and Carl Crittendon Jr.; and by her sisters Angie Muller, Zena Grant, and Rosie Stewart. Bridget is survived by her children Mary Martinez, Pete Beardsley, Chuck & Nancy Beardsley, Carol Diaz; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sisters Lena Disbrow and Fran Kampstra as well as nieces and nephews. Friends may visit with her family on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard where a service to remember and celebrate her life will be held on Thursday at 11 AM. Interment in Georgetown township Cemetery. To read more about her life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com